Oregon’s Pickleball Tap House: Leslie Koegler, a business owner in Bend, Oregon, is creating a new spot that mixes sports, drinks, and food. Called Ballers & Brews, the project includes a rooftop pickleball court and tap house. It’s set to open by mid-September at Northeast Brinson Boulevard and Northeast 18th Street. The idea is to give people a fun place to play, eat, and relax.
Koegler is funding the entire project herself. It’s designed for people who enjoy pickleball but aren’t in leagues. She’s also adding food carts and indoor seating for gatherings.
“There’s an amazing amount of food here for the size of this town. I dabbled in pickleball and I loved it. I am not a great athlete, but I am competitive. I realized it was fun.” – (Leslie Koegler)
Blending Pickleball With Drinks and Food
Koegler said she wanted a place where families and friends can meet, hang out, or enjoy brunch.
“I wanted a space for families to come and for friends to meet. And (I) decided to build a space for family or meet friends for brunch on Sunday morning or to just hang out.” – (Leslie Koegler)
Pickleball has become very popular in Bend. Courts often stay full, making it hard for casual players to find time.
“Pickleball is so popular in Bend. The courts are always full here. As an average player, the spaces are so competitive, and not really available for average players. I believe there’s room here in our community to have things like this.” – (Leslie Koegler)
The sport is a mix of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. It uses paddles and a plastic ball with holes. For three years, it’s been the fastest-growing sport in the country, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.
Support From Business Leaders
Leslie Koegler has a strong background in business. She also owns KDE Direct, a company that makes drone parts. Her project is getting attention from others in the local business world.
“Knowing your market is a key component to being a successful business,” said James Darcey, chairman of the Small Business Administration Score Central Oregon Chapter. Cyrus Mooney, a business advocate for the city of Bend, also spoke highly of her.
“ I will say that she has a knack for making profitable investments and creating job growth. Having more amenities on the east side of town could also be a draw for industrial expansions and employees in the area. I will say that having multiple different recreation options on the same site is not as common, so could be a differentiating factor.” – (Mooney)
Features of Ballers & Brews
The tap house will be 2,500 square feet and offer 20 beers on tap. It will also serve cocktails, mocktails, and wine. Outdoor fire pits and TVs will add to the fun. On the rooftop, a 750-square-foot heated deck will be used for private events.
The pickleball court will be covered and heated for year-round play. It will run on a reservation system and be open to everyone for a fee. “It’s a risk,” Koegler admitted, “but it’s a calculated one.”
Six food carts will also be part of the venue. So far, Koegler has selected three, but she hasn’t named them.
“I am taking my time on the other food carts. I want everyone to be as passionate as I am about this project. I want operators who serve high quality food and have a desire to make this a cohesive space and share my vision.” – (Koegler)
A New Space for Community Fun
Ballers & Brews is aiming to fill a gap in Bend. The project mixes sports, drinks, and food in one spot. If successful, it could become a favorite hangout for locals. It may also lead to more growth on the east side of town and inspire others to try new business ideas.
News in Brief: Oregon’s Pickleball Tap House
Leslie Koegler is building Ballers & Brews in Bend, Oregon. The venue will include a rooftop pickleball court, tap house, and food carts. It opens in September and is designed for casual players and families. Koegler is funding it herself and hopes it brings new energy to the east side of town.
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